Does Insurance Cover Home Health Care

People often assume long-term care and long-term home health care insurance are only associated with nursing homes. However, it is quite the opposite. Most people purchase long-term care insurance so they can receive care within the comfort of their own homes. The opportunity to age in place is one of the greatest benefits of having long-term care insurance. The American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance explains what home care services are covered by long-term care insurance.

Which Home Care Services will be covered by long-term care insurance?

ACL states long-term care insurance covers a variety of long-term services and supports that are not included in regular health insurance. You may often hear the phrase “ADLs” when learning about different types of care. Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) involve personal and custodial care, such as assistance with routine daily activities: bathing, dressing, getting out of bed, etc. In-home care services are a preferred option for seniors who need assistance with ADLs. The assistance with these activities can determine who is eligible for long-term care insurance benefits.

Seniors are not eligible for long-term insurance if they already have poor health or are receiving long-term care. Don’t wait until your loved one needs healthcare insurance to buy it, most get it in their mid-50s and 60s. Whether long-term care seems like the right option for your elderly family member depends on their situation and preferences.

Your loved one’s insurance policy can determine whether they have a waiting period before they can access their funds. Do you know if their policy allows them to start receiving benefits the day they begin their care, or do they have to wait anywhere from 30 to 120 days? These are essential questions to consider when deciding which policy is best for your loved one.

Your elderly family member will also need to decide when is the right time to institute their home health care insurance claim. It is often the longer the waiting period is before your benefits start, the longer the company will cover your care. Periods of receiving benefits are usually three to five years and relate to the cap of how much an insurance company will pay for a policy. On average, seniors with long-term care insurance use 13 months of care with about 20 hours a week. Discuss all the details of your policy carefully with your broker to make sure it’s meeting your loved one’s needs.

The cost of long-term care is expected to increase significantly over the next couple of decades. In the next 30 years, long-term care annual costs are predicted to grow by 330% to $300,000 a year for an in-home caregiver. The expenses are expected to increase even more for a nursing home or assisted living facility. Long-term care insurance can be a smart investment to prepare for this inflation of costs.

For more questions, 1+1 Cares provides more information on in-home care and long-term care insurance.

1+1 Cares is a referral agency that works for clients and caregivers. We match caregivers with clients and inform them of your requirements. We work for you so you and your loved one can have a safe, enjoyable caregiving experience.